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40 years at a glance ESOC timeline40th anniversary galleryVoices of experience, leaders of the futureESA mission history and statusESOC today ESOC - European Space Operations CentreSpace Operations & Situational Awareness
| | | | | | | ESOC: "Where Missions Come Alive" - profile video
In 2007, ESOC celebrated 40 years of operations - click above to access our 40th anniversary gallery
A fast-paced multimedia profile of the people, technologies and passions that animate the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC).
ESOC - About the European Space Operations Centre
Engineers and scientists at ESOC spend considerable time selecting orbits, developing procedures and building the ground segment infrastructure that supports a satellite in flight.
In the months prior to a launch, a 'team of teams' conducts intense training and simulations to be ready for any contingency. After lift-off, the satellite separates from its booster, and ESOC mission controllers assume command. During LEOP - the critical launch and early orbit phase - the operation of solar arrays and other on-board systems must be fully confirmed, followed by the check-out and switch-on of scientific payloads.
Satellites travel to low-Earth orbit, geostationary orbit and deep into interplanetary space, orbiting the Sun, Mars and other celestial bodies. ESOC controls the Agency's ESTRACK network, a global system of tracking stations that transmit commands and receive valuable scientific data. ESOC is also responsible for tracking space debris, a growing threat to commercial and scientific exploitation of near-Earth orbits, and for developing new techniques and tools for mission operations.
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Last update: 9 February 2012 | |
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